*  Exported from  MasterCook  *

                          Kate's Minestrone Soup

Recipe By     : Kate
Serving Size  : 8    Preparation Time :1:30
Categories    : Soups

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   2      tb            Olive oil
   1      lg            Onion -- diced
   2      lg            Carrots -- diced
   2      lg            Potatoes -- diced
     1/2  lb            Green beans -- chopped 1"
   6      c             Water
     1/2  sm            Cabbage -- shredded
  16      oz            Can tomatoes
   5      oz            Spinach (1/2 bag) --
                        - coarsely shredded
   2      md            Zucchini -- diced
   6                    Beef bouillon cubes
  16      oz            Can red kidney beans --
                        - rinsed and drained
   2      c             Orzo -- cooked
     1/2  c             Parmesan cheese --
                        - finely grated

In large saucepot, cook onion, carots, potatoes & green beans until
just browned, about 20 minutes. Add water, cabbage, tomatoes with
their liquid, spinach, zucchini, & bouillon. Bring to the boil,
stirring to break up tomatoes. Simmer, covered, over low heat for
about 40 minutes until vegetables are tender. Don't overcook or
they'll get mushy. Heat water for orzo. As orzo cooks, stir beans
into the soup & heat for 15 minutes. To serve, ladle soup into the
bowls, stirring orzo into each bowl. Top with cheese.

Notes:

If you add the orzo into the soup pot, it absorbs too much water and
won't remain al dente.


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